How do you react to rejections? I give rejections but try to be as helpful and supportive as I can in them. I’ve received good feedback about my feedback from rejected writers, which is reassuring! I try to give constructive criticism to rejected writers – to be honest, helpful and kind as much as I can.

How do you react when one of your submissions is accepted for publication? Most of our writers are delighted and sometimes surprised. Communicating with writers is what makes me continue with the project – I love getting their work into print.

What is your best piece of advice on how to stay sane as a writer? Be part of a network. Go to local literary events and readings. Meet other writers. Try to form a mutually supportive group of writers around you to share successes, failures and try to collectively problem-solve, whether that’s to do with problems in your craft or making sure that you’re all getting the best possible deal from publishers, promoters etc. There’s a great network of Scottish writers and they support each other in getting gigs, readings and promoting each other.

What is your favorite book?Cannery Row by John Steinbeck

If you could have dinner with one fictional character, who would it be and why? Doc and the Palace Flophouse Boys from Cannery Row. I feel like they would appreciate a good scran and know how to have a party. A wise and carnage dinner party.

What makes you laugh? Slapstick.

What makes you cry? Brexit.

What is your preferred drink while you write? Crispy beers.

Shakespeare or Bukowski? Shakespeare. Bukowski’s such a bastard. I LOVE ALL CAPS FRANTIC SELF-OBSESSIVE AMERICAN WRITING but after reading Pulp I can never condone Bukowski. I want a femme Bukowski. Shakespeare on the other hand produced such a fine and rich platform with his writing. It’s rich and complex enough for everyone to find what they need. There’s a writer who can be in everyone’s head (a terrifying prospect – one reason I’m not a writer). He’s also funny.